Clarke: Lot of positives from Gabba

Brisbane: Captain Michael Clarke said the big positive for Australia in Tuesday’s drawn Gabba Test was his team’s bowling performance against South Africa’s heavyweight top order.

The Proteas salvaged a draw under pressure by batting out 68 overs to finish the final day 166 for five with their last recognised batsman at the crease, after trailing the Australians by 115 runs in the first innings.

Psychologically, Clarke’s third-ranked team take the edge into next week’s second Adelaide Test in the pivotal match of the three-match series which could lift the Australians back to the top ranking with a series victory.

“There are a lot of positives to come of this Test,” Clarke said.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get a win, but we can certainly use the momentum that we take from this game to Adelaide. It is a positive to get the South African top order out twice in the Test.

“The team showed a lot of character after day one. I wish we had a bit of play on that washed out day (Saturday), but I think the boys deserve a lot of credit for their attitudes,” he said.

“Our intent was the way it needs to be when you are playing against such a good team. I think the way Ed Cowan and Mike Hussey batted they certainly showed that intent (with centuries).